Windows 11 keeps several kinds of cache: temporary files, update leftovers, a DNS lookup table, your browser cache, the Microsoft Store cache and the recent files list in File Explorer. Clearing them frees disk space and can fix odd glitches, such as a website that will not load or a Store download stuck at zero. None of it is dangerous if you do it the right way, and every tool you need already ships with Windows. Here is how to clear each one in the current version of Windows 11, and what really happens if you never bother.
ipconfig /flushdns, reset the Store cache with wsreset.exe and clear your browser cache with Ctrl + Shift + Delete.What happens if you never clear the cache?
Nothing dramatic. Windows does not slow to a crawl because of a full Temp folder, and a cache exists to make things faster, not slower. The real costs are more practical:
- Lost disk space. Temporary files, old update packages, thumbnails and delivery optimization files can add up to several gigabytes. On a laptop with a small SSD, that can be the difference between an update installing or failing.
- Stale or corrupted data. A cached DNS entry can point to an old server address, and a damaged Store cache can block app downloads. These are the cases where clearing a cache actually fixes something.
- Privacy leftovers. Browser caches, recent files and activity history show what you opened and visited to anyone who uses your account.
So clear the cache when you are short on space, when something behaves strangely, or before you hand the PC to someone else. Doing it every day gains you nothing.
Clear temporary files and system junk
This is the biggest win for disk space, and Windows 11 handles it in Settings.
- Open Start, then Settings, then System, then Storage.
- Click Cleanup recommendations. Windows groups suggestions into Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps.
- Tick what you want to remove in each group and click Clean up.
- For a fuller list, go back to the Storage page and click Temporary files. Wait for the scan, tick categories such as Windows Update Cleanup, Delivery Optimization Files, Thumbnails and Temporary files, then click Remove files.
The older Disk Cleanup utility is still included in Windows 11. Search for it from the Start menu, pick your system drive and click Clean up system files to see the same categories in the classic layout. Settings is the place Microsoft now points people to, so use whichever you find easier.
Turn on Storage Sense so it happens automatically
Storage Sense is the set and forget option. It deletes temporary files on a schedule and can empty the Recycle Bin and old downloads after a set number of days.
- Go to Settings, System, Storage.
- Click Storage Sense (on some builds it reads Configure Storage Sense or run it now).
- Switch on the automatic cleanup toggle.
- Choose how often it runs, for example every week or when disk space is low.
- Set how long files can sit in the Recycle Bin and Downloads before removal, or choose Never for Downloads if you keep files there.
- Use the button at the bottom to run it right away.
Flush the DNS cache
Windows remembers which server address belongs to each website you visit. If a site moved or your network settings changed, that memory can send you to the wrong place, and the page fails to load while it works fine on your phone. Flushing the cache forces fresh lookups.
- Right click the Start button and choose Terminal.
- Type
ipconfig /flushdnsand press Enter. - You should see a message confirming that the DNS Resolver Cache was flushed.
This takes a second, needs no restart and does not delete anything personal.
Clear the browser, Store and File Explorer caches
Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete, choose a time range, tick Cached images and files and click Clear now. Leave cookies unticked if you want to stay signed in.
The same shortcut opens Delete browsing data. Pick a time range, tick Cached images and files and confirm.
Press Windows + R, type
wsreset.exe and press Enter. A blank window appears, then the Store reopens with a fresh cache.Click the three dot menu, choose Options, and on the General tab click Clear under Privacy to wipe recent files and searches.
Clearing the browser cache is the classic fix for a site that looks broken after a redesign. The Store reset helps when downloads or updates hang. Neither removes your apps, passwords or bookmarks.
Clear activity and location history
These are not caches in the strict sense, but they are stored records many people want gone. Open Settings, then Privacy & security. Under Activity history, click Clear history. Under Location, use the Clear button next to location history. Both take effect immediately.
| Cache | Main benefit | How often |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary files | Disk space | Automatic with Storage Sense |
| DNS cache | Fixes sites that will not load | Only when needed |
| Browser cache | Fixes broken pages, privacy | Every few months or when needed |
| Store cache | Fixes stuck downloads | Only when needed |
| File Explorer history | Privacy | Before sharing the PC |
FAQ
Will clearing the cache make my PC faster?
Usually only a little. It helps most when the system drive is nearly full or when a specific cache is corrupted. For a slow PC, also check startup apps and install pending Windows updates.
Is it safe to delete everything in Temporary files?
Yes for the system categories. Just review the Downloads and Recycle Bin entries first, since those hold files you may still want.
Do I need a cleaner app?
No. Settings, Storage Sense, Disk Cleanup and the commands above cover what most cleaner apps do, without the upsells or the risk of deleting the wrong thing.
Why did my browser log me out?
You probably cleared cookies along with the cache. Next time, tick only cached images and files.
The verdict
Turn on Storage Sense once and let Windows 11 handle temporary files for you. Keep the DNS flush, the Store reset and the browser cache clear in your back pocket for the moments when something stops working. That covers almost every reason to clear a cache, with no extra software.
Updated October 2026: rewritten with current Windows 11 menu paths for Storage, Storage Sense, DNS, browser, Store and File Explorer caches.
Featured photo: Windows on Unsplash.
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